The 328 sedan continues to reign supreme in the entry-level luxury car class, chock full of technology and standard features that leave little to be desired.

Introduction

The BMW 3-Series arrived in the U.S. back in 1977 as the replacement for the popular, but quickly aging, 2002 model. It wasn’t until the 1996 model year that BMW added a 2.8-liter six-cylinder to the 3-Series lineup, which brought about the introduction of the 328 model. Heading into the 2013 model year, the 328 is still alive and well, but its number designation no longer matches its engine size.

Having received a full refresh in the 2012 model year, the 2013 BMW 328 carries over from the previous model year unchanged. The 2013 BMW 328 comes in a pair of trim levels – 328i and 328i xDrive – and both trims are available in a sedan and coupe body style. There is also a convertible body style, but only the 328i carries into that body.

The 328i and 328i xDrive models are virtually identical to one another, as they both feature a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. They also carry over the exact same interior and exterior options. The only significant difference between the two is that the i xDrive features BMW’s signature all-wheel-drive system. The base 328i model is capable of hitting 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and it is rated at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Along with the two trim levels, there are seven optional packages. The first package is the Cold Weather Package, which includes a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and high-intensity headlight washers. The Driver Assistance Package includes Park Distance Control, a rearview camera, Active Blind Spot Detection and Surround View. The Driver Assistance Plus Package adds in Lane Departure Warning and Speed limit info technology. The Dynamic Handling Package tosses in Adaptive < Sport suspension and Variable Sport Steering. You can opt for the Lighting Package and receive xenon adaptive headlights with LED accents in place of the standard halogens. The Premium Package adds in Dakota leather interior, Comfort Access keyless entry, power glass moonroof, four-way lumbar support and SiriusXM radio. The Technology Package adds in the BMW Navigation system with a 12 GB music hard drive and 8.8-inch LCD screen, BMW Assist Safety Plan, BMW apps, and a full-color heads-up display.

In terms of competition, the 2013 328 has plenty to go around. The first competitor is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, which includes a 1.8-liter engine with 201 horsepower, a seven-speed automatic transmission and leatherette interior. Next up is the 2013 Lexus IS 250, which comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine with 204 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission and leather seating. Finally, there is the 2013 Infiniti G37 Sedan, which comes standard with a 3.7-liter V-6 with 328 horsepower, a seven-speed automatic transmission and a rearview camera.

The BMW 328 has been around for a long time, but its competitors are slowly starting to catch up. BMW needs to pull out all of the stops to keep customers from heading over to the likes of Lexus and Infiniti.

Which Style To Buy?

2013 BMW 328 i

Recommended for: Buyers looking for a premium vehicle without breaking the bank

The i trim level for the 2013 BMW 328 is the base model, but as you would expect, this base Bimmer is relatively well equipped with premium features. On the outside, the 2013 328i comes standard with an auto start-stop function to increase fuel mileage, 17-by-7.5-inch Star Spoke wheels for added style, fog lights for better vision when trekking through low-laying clouds, and Dynamic Stability Control for added stability in the corners. Inside the cabin, the 328i includes leatherette seating with eight-way power adjustment for optimal comfort, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/HD Radio audio system with iPod and USB connectors for a great listening experience, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel for a comfortable grip, and automatic climate control for the perfect cabin temperature.

2013 BMW 328 i xDrive

Recommended for: Buyers that live in areas where snow or rain causes slippery roads or a buyer that simply wants the stability of AWD

The i xDrive trim level on the 2013 BMW 328 builds upon the base 328i with mild drivetrain changes. The largest change between the 328i and the 328i xDrive is the addition of BMW’s all-wheel-drive system for better handling in adverse conditions. On the outside, the 2013 BMW 328i xDrive is identical to its 328i brother, featuring 17-inch Star Spoke wheels, and fog lamps. Just like the exterior, the 328i xDrive’s interior carries the same features as the base 328i, including the AM/FM/CD/MP3/HD Radio audio system, leatherette interior and eight-way power seats.

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